Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

If there is one area in which an all-island body could be justified, it is the area of greyhound racing. Those who support greyhound racing in Northern Ireland come from both communities. It is one sport that attracts universal support from both communities. I am confident the Minister agrees with me on the great potential that exists for an all Ireland greyhound racing body.

Is the Minister aware that the recent blueprint for development of the sector to 2010 published by the British greyhound racing board does not refer to Northern Ireland? No one is looking after the interests of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland which has only one greyhound racing track, situated in the Brandywell, and which is closed. It is very unfair to the patrons of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland. They do not have the facilities such as are enjoyed in Dundalk and Lifford.

Will the Minister indicate if there is any possibility that the Republic of Ireland, through the greyhound board, could assist in the development of greyhound racing in Northern Ireland by using the arrangements in place under the Good Friday Agreement?

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